Newbie needs help

[mamahope1]

On your AK day, what time is your breakfast? You may not need to FP the safari.

Be sure to see some shows at AK. They are all terrific! Festival of the Lion King is located in Africa, close to Tusker House. Flights of Wonder is located between Africa and Asia. Live birds. It's really well done and has a great message. Finally, Finding Nemo, the Musicsl is on the walkway from Asia to Dinoland.

You will have time after AK, so hit the pool or, since you've park hoppers, head to another park. Both EPCOT and MK have fireworks at night. But, MK may have a Halloween party that night. Not sure.

A great resource is WDW prep school, or www.easywdw.com. Ask away with your questions. Happy to help!

I agree with this. What time is your Tusker House ADR? Here is a morning plan that might work with your GS:

At rope drop head to the Safari...no wait.

You may want to stop and pick up the Wilderness Explorer booklet on your way. It is a free activity, where your Grandson can collect stickers (badges) in a nice, souvenir booklet with activities and info inside as he rides and perticipates in attractions. It's free and is just fun...not necessary to complete it.

After, go see the Festival of the Lion King. (Awesome show, you will not need a FP in the morning)
If your breakfast is at 10:30 or later, you are right next to the Tusker House coming out of FOTLK. (Also, as a little bonus, if you are at the late end of the Tusker House breakfast, they start putting out the lunch food at 11:00, you can eat from both for the breakfast rate. I know you have a dining plan, but others may benefit from that info)
If your breakfast is before 10:30, eat first, then do FOTLK. You won't regret it!

Between the safari, the show, and breakfast, that is almost 3 hours of activity and will take a significant chunk of your morning.

Meander through the Discovery Island trails and paths, maybe visit Russell and Dug at their meet and greet, see Flights of Wonder in Asia, and head down to Finding Nemo. The Boneyard playground is a fun novelty. I suspect you will have a relaxing, nice day to cherish with your Grandson at AK!

On your AK day, what time is your breakfast? You may not need to FP the safari.

Be sure to see some shows at AK. They are all terrific! Festival of the Lion King is located in Africa, close to Tusker House. Flights of Wonder is located between Africa and Asia. Live birds. It's really well done and has a great message. Finally, Finding Nemo, the Musicsl is on the walkway from Asia to Dinoland.

You will have time after AK, so hit the pool or, since you've park hoppers, head to another park. Both EPCOT and MK have fireworks at night. But, MK may have a Halloween party that night. Not sure.

A great resource is WDW prep school, or www.easywdw.com. Ask away with your questions. Happy to help!

At AK, Breakfast at Tusker House is at 1025 AM. Thank you for all.

 

[mamahope1]

I would like to give you a bit of encouragement about the room situation. I went to WDW last fall with my husband and three young children. I also wished that we had two rooms so we could have a bit of "down time" from the kids. Turns out that after the first day, we were all so tired that everyone fell asleep almost immediately every night. Try not to worry about that, too much.

Also, if you don't have a guide book, I recommend the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Reading a guidebook helped me get my head around all of the info that is helpful to know, and it also helped us to get excited about our trip. Have fun!

Do you think they would be willing to give me a rollaway or an additional mattress for the floor. Even that would be helpful.

 

[siskaren]

Do you think they would be willing to give me a rollaway or an additional mattress for the floor. Even that would be helpful.

I don't think the hotels provide rollaways, but you can bring your own inflatable mattress. I would highly recommend this guide book:

http://www.amazon.com/Guide-First-D...sr=8-17&keywords=walt+disney+world+guidebooks

The authors write 2 well-known (and highly recommended) Disney World trip-planning sites - easyWDW.com and **************.net.

 

[noahdove]

Ok, here's my 2cents worth. I would not do anything the day you arrive except checking out the resort as Caribbean is a large spread
out place. You can also do Downtown Disney and enjoy the time. I'm sure you all will be tired and will want to get to bed
early and then off to whatever the next day.. I have been taking my grandchildren and my sister's grandchildren alone for
many years and we have had the first day as a down day... We can't be tired to start off our great week... Enjoy every moment.

 

[noahdove]

oops

 

[itchin2go]

Ok, here's my 2cents worth. I would not do anything the day you arrive except checking out the resort as Caribbean is a large spread
out place. You can also do Downtown Disney and enjoy the time. I'm sure you all will be tired and will want to get to bed
early and then off to whatever the next day.. I have been taking my grandchildren and my sister's grandchildren alone for
many years and we have had the first day as a down day... We can't be tired to start off our great week... Enjoy every moment.

I agree with this advice. On arrival day, we just hang out at the resort and have an easy dinner. That way, we can rest up and be ready for rope drop the next morning.

 

[itchin2go]

Do you think they would be willing to give me a rollaway or an additional mattress for the floor. Even that would be helpful.

On the other thread, a poster suggested you request a room with a Murphy bed. I did a google search and found this:

http://**************.net/2014/10/01/review-disneys-caribbean-beach-resort-2/

It appears those rooms would have 2 queen beds and one smaller Murphy bed. Maybe that would help?

 

[goofy4tink]

I had no idea about the level of planning that my Disney World trip would require. I honestly thought we would show up and "play it by ear". So now I need help.

Let me explain. I am a 62 yo grandma who is taking my two grown children and my grandson to DW on Oct 28- Nov 1. We have NEVER had a family trip and have saved two years for this one.

I would like to share what we have planned so far (mostly by other peoples suggestions) and then have you tell me if this sounds good or not. Please feel free to make suggestions. Keep in mind that I am not up for going 7 Am to 10 PM every day and neither is my grandson.

We are staying at the Carribean Resort. we have one room with two queen size beds and I have been freaking out, wishing I could afford a type of arrangement where I had a bedroom with a door I could close. Apparently this accommodation does not offer it.

We booked through AAA and the dining plan plus comes free.

We will be getting to our hotel about 4 PM on 10/28 and thoughts we would spend the evening at Hollywood Studios. We were planning on having a quick service meal that evening.

the next day we will have breakfast at Ohana and then go to the Magic Kingdom. We will be there all day. Will we see fireworks? We are having a quick service late lunch somewhere and dinner at the Captains Grille at 7 PM.

On Fri 10/30- the big adult kids are going to Universal and I am taking my grandson to the Animal Kingdom. We have a reservation at Donald Safari Tusker house (?). I am told to get a fast pass for the safari there.

Oh by the way, we have park hopper passes but not fast passes thus far.

I thought when we got tired we would just play back at the resort.

On Sat 10/31 (Halloween) we thought we would do Epcot will the 6 yo like it?). My daughter is taking him to the not so scary Halloween party at 5, leaving my other daughter & I at Epcot to check out more adult things (?). We have dinner plans at Teppan Edo.

On the last day we have until about 2 pm so thought we would go to Downtown Disney. That is it for now. My grandson wants to see fireworks. Is that the same as the light show?

What would you change? What would you keep the same?

I would be very grateful for any advice or guidance you can offer.

Check around...you may be able to find a family suite that offers free dining....if not, try to find a resort that is discounted. If discounted, it will probably end up costing you less even when you add dining costs. But a family suite will give you the privacy you want/need. None of the regular resort rooms are going to give you that privacy. I did check on-line and found a family suite at AoA, running about $2900 for your time frame, with 5 day ph passes, and All Star Music, family suite, for about $2700, same passes. Now, that doesn't include your food costs....but it does give you privacy.

As far as fireworks.....the night of the 29th there won't be any...so have don't worry about the ADR you have at Captain's Grill...if you want to keep it. On the nights there are special parties (MNSSHP) there won't be regular fireworks because the park closes at 7. The night you arrive you should be able to catch Fantasmic! at DHS. Then you can just relax on the 29th. On the 31th, when they go to MNSSHP, your grandson will see some very good fireworks!!

With an ADR at 10:30ish, you should have time to do the Safari ride before breakfast, then you can catch FoTLK and Nemo...both excellent shows. Walking the paths, checking out the various animals is fun as well. A lot of the rides at AK may be too much for your grandson....Dinosaur is very loud and rough, EE is, well, intense. Primevil Whirl can be rough. It's Tough to be a Bug can freak out little kids. So, I would probably stick with the safari and the shows....and the walking trails.

I would recommend getting a guide book....just to get a bit familiar with stuff. I really like the PassPorter. Birnbaum's is the official guidebook of WDW, so it's all pixiedust...but it gives you a good overview. They also have a terrific version for kids...your grandson might really enjoy it!

 

[itchin2go]

Check around...you may be able to find a family suite that offers free dining....if not, try to find a resort that is discounted. If discounted, it will probably end up costing you less even when you add dining costs. But a family suite will give you the privacy you want/need. None of the regular resort rooms are going to give you that privacy.

I agree. It can't hurt to ask your AAA guy what alternatives are available. A family suite would be so much more comfortable.

 

[mamahope1]

I would like to give you a bit of encouragement about the room situation. I went to WDW last fall with my husband and three young children. I also wished that we had two rooms so we could have a bit of "down time" from the kids. Turns out that after the first day, we were all so tired that everyone fell asleep almost immediately every night. Try not to worry about that, too much.

Also, if you don't have a guide book, I recommend the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. Reading a guidebook helped me get my head around all of the info that is helpful to know, and it also helped us to get excited about our trip. Have fun!

Thanks- this helps to hear. We could change to a value place but then we would give up the great resort stuff that CBr has to offer. Not sure what to do. I hate to be cranky..... I think I'll let it ride for now.

 

[WooPigScientist]

From your park plans, it looks like you don't need the park hopper tickets, unless you're wanting to leave the option open to visit a second park some days. If you don't think you'll use it, taking off the park hoppers and just having base tickets (one park per day) can save quite a bit of money.

I've not been to MNSSHP before, so someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that ticket will get your daughter and grandson into Magic Kingdom after 4 PM without a park hopper.

Can someone else confirm or correct this?

I agree with the previous poster on requesting a room with a Murphy bed. From what other people have said, it sounds like there are a lot of rooms at CBR with them now. You can make that request over the phone or if you do online check-in. And it never hurts to ask nicely when you get there too! That's where we are staying in January - it looks like a great resort, especially for little ones!

Have a great trip! I'll reiterate what others have said - ask all the questions you want/need. Most DIS folks are very friendly and helpful, and if they're not, ignore them! Don't take it personally. The first two responses I got to my first question were (in my opinion) needlessly snarky. I decided to be gracious in my response and went on like it didn't happen - I've gotten tons of great advice and posts from lots of very nice people since, and no more snarkiness!

 

[mamahope1]

From your park plans, it looks like you don't need the park hopper tickets, unless you're wanting to leave the option open to visit a second park some days. If you don't think you'll use it, taking off the park hoppers and just having base tickets (one park per day) can save quite a bit of money.

I've not been to MNSSHP before, so someone can correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that ticket will get your daughter and grandson into Magic Kingdom after 4 PM without a park hopper.

Can someone else confirm or correct this?

I agree with the previous poster on requesting a room with a Murphy bed. From what other people have said, it sounds like there are a lot of rooms at CBR with them now. You can make that request over the phone or if you do online check-in. And it never hurts to ask nicely when you get there too! That's where we are staying in January - it looks like a great resort, especially for little ones!

Have a great trip! I'll reiterate what others have said - ask all the questions you want/need. Most DIS folks are very friendly and helpful, and if they're not, ignore them! Don't take it personally. The first two responses I got to my first question were (in my opinion) needlessly snarky. I decided to be gracious in my response and went on like it didn't happen - I've gotten tons of great advice and posts from lots of very nice people since, and no more snarkiness!

Big thanks

 

[tooh8ful]

If free dining is important to you (it is to us!) you can't drop the park hopper, that's a requirement this year.
I agree with the pp who said not to sweat the room too much. Chances are you'll all be exhausted every night and pass out soon after getting to your room. We've always had 4 people in a mod and its not terrible by any stretch. Often our trips included an infant who took up WAY more than her share of real estate!
CBR does have some rooms with Murphy beds now, request one of those.
Most of all have a great time!

 

[Grandma G]

Mamahope1: We are staying at the Carribean Resort. we have one room with two queen size beds and I have been freaking out, wishing I could afford a type of arrangement where I had a bedroom with a door I could close.

MaryandTyson: I'm not sure I understand eating at Captain's Grille on your MK day ... A better choice might be dining in MK or at a resort restaurant that is closer to MK: Polynesian, Contemporary, Grand Flordian on the monorail or Wilderness Lodge by boat, or Fort Wilderness by boat. That way, you can easily get back to MK to catch the CBR bus home.

Goofyfortink: Check around...you may be able to find a family suite that offers free dining....if not, try to find a resort that is discounted. If discounted, it will probably end up costing you less even when you add dining costs. But a family suite will give you the privacy you want/need. None of the regular resort rooms are going to give you that privacy.

Mamahope1: Thanks- this helps to hear. We could change to a value place but then we would give up the great resort stuff that CBr has to offer. Not sure what to do. I hate to be cranky..... I think I'll let it ride for now.

Oh, I so envy you! I was 61 when I was last in WDW (with one of my daughters and two of my grandchildren in a Fort Wilderness Cabin - December 27 to January 4, 2003). And I do not expect to ever again have quite as wonderful a time in the World.

So, I'd like to suggest the Cabins as an alternative to the CBR (as your Resort) and Hoop Dee Doo as a so-much-more-fun substitution for the sometimes-stuffy Captain's Grille (as your dining selection on your Magic Kingdom Day).

Briefly ...

In my opinion, there is no other Resort so perfectly magical for young children and the adults that they bring with them. And while I won't try to list its family-centered recreational wonders (your Guide Book and/or Disney - check Moderate Resorts at the central website - do a much better job of that than I ever could), I'll point out that:

1) Your Cabin would have a bedroom (with a fully-functional door) furnished with a double bed and a set of bunk beds for your daughters and grandson. You would have a lovely, full-size Murphy bed that disappears each morning from everyone's cheery 'family room' containing a comfy sofa, chairs, dining/planning/playing table and kitchenette. Your bathroom would be pretty and spacious. And did I mention your large, furnished deck and (if you're driving) your private by-the-front-door parking? Just tuck everyone in each night and have your bedroom, sitting room, kitchen and deck all to yourself ...

Note: If it is of any interest, smoking is not permitted in any of the Cabins, but is permitted on their decks (each Cabin is buffered/screened from its neighbors by woodsy plantings).

2) Transportation to and from The Magic Kingdom, The Grand Floridian, The Contemporary, The Wilderness Lodge and The Polynesian is a pleasant boat ride and buses handle everything else. And for use within the Resort, golf carts (your grandson won't be able to 'drive' but he'll love riding 'round in one) are available for daily or length-of-stay rental. Plug it in each evening at your Cabin and be good to go every morning.

3) Hoop Dee Doo is a foot-stomping, handkerchief-flying, clapping-and-singing-as-loud-as-you-want, unwinding-from-the-Parks experience not to be missed. Here's its Disney Description:

"Frontier-Style Family Fun ...

Join the Pioneer Hall Players for 2 hours of rousing Wild West dancing, singing and zany vaudeville comedy.

You never know what to expect when Claire de Lune, Johnny Ringo, Dolly Drew, Six Bits Slocum, Flora Long and Jim Handy hit the stage. But you do know that it’s not going to be dull! Get ready to clap your hands, stomp your feet, sing along and have a good ol’ time at rustic Pioneer Hall in Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground.

In between skits and song standards, chow down on buckets of all-you-care-to-enjoy fried chicken and smoked BBQ pork ribs, as well as a tossed green salad, baked beans, fresh-baked cornbread and strawberry shortcake.

Unlimited draft beer, wine and sangria are included for Guests 21 years of age and up (proper ID required). Soft drinks are also included."

Whatever you decide, I do hope that you'll post an update following your trip to let us know how it all worked out.

​

 

[ConnecticutNonna]

Hi Mamahope! Just a quick weigh in! I personally love CBR and have stayed with 5 in the room. Part of our (DH and my) strategy was to take the kiddies to the "quiet" pools upon returning at night for a quick 15minute swim. Those kids were Tuckered out! They came back from the parks a bit hyper but the pool calmed them a bit and they went immediately to sleep. This has always worked for us! We first went to CBR for free dining as well and now truly love it there. You won't regret staying there!

 

[WooPigScientist]

If free dining is important to you (it is to us!) you can't drop the park hopper, that's a requirement this year.

Oops! Thanks for correcting! I've never priced a package during free dining, so I had no idea. Good to know!

 

[maryandtyson]

Hoop De Doo is very expensive, so I don't think that would work. I would try Whispering Canyon Cafe, located at Wilderness Lodge for a table service meal near MK. Just take the boat across Bay Lake. It's a beautiful resort to explore as well.

 

[chartle]

One thing to add. You say your grandson wants to see fireworks. Illuminations at Epcot and Fantasmic at DHS are not really firework shows. They are shows with varying amounts of firework elements. Also Fantasmic is in a theater where you have to get in line and sit for an hour or so before the show. Also the show itself maybe boring/scary for someone that young.

Sort of the same for Illuminations, most show elements are at water level, far away and there are fairly long stretches where he maybe bored.

 

[mamahope1]

Oli is 6 but he does not scare easily.

I have taken all of this incredible information back to AAA and we made some tweaks. Thanks to all.

One more question. My two adult children are going to Universal on 10/30. I guess a shuttle (bus) picks them up from CBR. Does it only come back at one time? Does any one know- or is it the kind of thing where a bus returns every hour?

 

[chartle]

One more question. My two adult children are going to Universal on 10/30. I guess a shuttle (bus) picks them up from CBR. Does it only come back at one time? Does any one know- or is it the kind of thing where a bus returns every hour?

Disney does not provide a shuttle from CBR to US. You would have to maybe contact Mears and see what schedule they have and where they pick up and drop off. Other options are a taxi or some other hired car service.